Sports ReporterSPORT and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane is keen to see the minority sports growing and making their presence felt in the country and indicated that his ministry will undertake an exercise to promote the growth of those codes to the levels attained by such disciplines like football, cricket and rugby.

The minister also wants manufacturers of sport equipment to be promoted and assisted to ensure there is diversity of sporting disciplines in the country.

Hlongwane made the remarks after touring manufacturers of pool tables in Harare in the company of officials from the Pool Association of Zimbabwe. Pool has been gradually making inroads on the domestic sporting landscape but the sport appears to have been pegged back by a perception that it is largely social.

Hlongwane however, suggested that the sport needed to be incorporated into the National Youth Games so that it gets recognition by people from all age groups while talented players are identified and nurtured at an early age.

The minister told the Pool Association of Zimbabwe officials led by Munyaradzi Mudimu and the manufacturers of the equipment represented by Abraham Molife that it would be ideal to support the sport from young age.

Hlongwane praised Molife’s company — Shoot Masters — for the job they are doing in providing equipment at an affordable price. The company has 12 workers and can manufacture at least two tables a day.

Hlongwane said it is important that the tables are strong and durable so that they can compete with those imported so as to serve the local market.

“I can see you are doing a splendid job which helps both the local market as well as promote pool as a sport. It is important that your products are durable to match those imported ones so the local market supports you. “Our aim is to support the economy through sport and it is you manufacturers of sports equipments who we should protect as the Government,” said Hlongwane.